News Summary
The Missouri Tigers men’s basketball team achieved a historic victory against the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a stunning 88-61 score. This win marks the largest road victory against a ranked opponent in team history, surpassing a previous record held for over six decades. Coach Dennis Gates also celebrated his 100th career win as the Tigers improved their season record to 17-4. Strong performances from Caleb Grill and Josh Gray helped secure the commanding victory, as they now prepare for their next match against Tennessee.
Historic Triumph for Missouri Tigers in Mississippi
Columbia, MO – Fans of the Missouri Tigers are buzzing with excitement after the men’s basketball team pulled off a stunning victory against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, winning by a staggering 88-61. This impressive win not only showcased the Tigers’ talent but also secured their place in history as they achieved the largest road win ever against a ranked opponent!
A Record-Breaking Performance
With this victory, Missouri shattered the previous record for margin of victory against a ranked team, which stood at just 13 points, a feat accomplished way back in 1956 against No. 17 Kansas State. The Tigers cruised to a remarkable 27-point margin over Mississippi State, leaving their competitors—ranked No. 14/13—wondering what hit them!
This game was particularly special for head coach Dennis Gates, marking his 100th career win. Half of those wins came during his time at Cleveland State, but he has clearly picked up momentum at Mizzou, amassing another 50 victories in just three seasons.
A Stellar Season So Far
With their latest win, the Tigers improved their record to 17-4 overall and 6-2 within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Meanwhile, the Bulldogs fell to 16-6 overall with a 4-5 SEC record, showing how competitive this season has been.
Key Players Shine Bright
The game was led by graduate student Caleb Grill, who tallied a remarkable 20 points, making 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. Josh Gray also found his form, recording his first double-double of the season with 10 points and an impressive 11 rebounds.
Other contributors included Tamar Bates, who chipped in 14 points, and Tony Perkins, who dished out five assists for his teammates. The energy on the court was palpable, as the Tigers established an early 10-2 lead and didn’t look back!
A Strong Start and a Brilliant Finish
Entering halftime, Missouri held a commanding 45-31 lead after scoring the last ten points of the first half—a momentum shift that had the crowd on their feet. The Bulldogs attempted to rally after the break, cutting the deficit to ten points. But the Tigers weren’t having any of that; they responded with a stunning 15-0 run, spearheaded by the hot hands of Grill and Gray.
Once they regained control, Missouri maintained a lead of no less than 20 points for the remainder of the game, displaying their confidence and prowess as a team. They finished the night with an impressive 55.0% overall shooting percentage and were particularly deadly from three-point range, hitting 15-of-32 attempts. In stark contrast, Mississippi State struggled, shooting only 36.4% while managing to sink just 8-of-26 from beyond the arc.
What’s Next for Missouri?
As the Tigers bask in the glory of this historic achievement, they are gearing up for their next challenge. Missouri will take on No. 8/8 Tennessee on February 5, 2025, with the game set to tip-off at 6 p.m. CT in Knoxville. Fans are hopeful that the Tigers will carry this momentum into their upcoming games, proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Missouri Tigers Overpower Mississippi State Bulldogs 88-61
Missouri Women’s Basketball Celebrates Victory Over Mississippi State
Additional Resources
- Knox News: Tennessee Lady Vols Basketball vs Missouri
- Sports Illustrated: How to Watch Tennessee Lady Volunteers vs Missouri Tigers
- Mizzou Athletics: Women’s Basketball Set for Clash with No. 18 Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Basketball
- Knox News: Tennessee vs Missouri Live Score Updates
- Google Search: Missouri Tigers Basketball
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
